British Chambers of Commerce and fdf (Foundation Degree Forward) unite to support SMEs

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and fdf (Foundation Degree Forward) have joined forces to offer more support to smaller businesses facing skills gap issues. In particular, they are promoting the kind of support available through Foundation degree programmes provided by universities and colleges across the UK.
 
Foundation degrees offer businesses the chance of improving the professional standards of their staff with minimal disruption to productivity. A distinctive feature of Foundation degrees is their emphasis on workplace learning and its integral role in the programme of study. The courses offer local delivery, distance-learning, part time and e-learning opportunities to provide maximum flexibility in study patterns to fit around workforce commitments.

John Dunsmure, Managing Director, BCC Enterprises commented,
“We have been working closely with fdf for the last three years to ensure that many of the courses developed were well designed and relevant for smaller businesses. Many of our members have been involved in course design.  These training options for businesses couldn’t have come at a better time. When SMEs face such challenging economic conditions having a skilled and motivated workforce is critical - and may just make the difference between success and failure.”

The BCC and fdf will not only encourage employers to use Foundation degrees as part of their training programmes but will continue to provide a two-way dialogue that will help shape Foundation degrees in the future.

Professor Derek Longhurst, Chief Executive of fdf added, “There may be a temptation not to invest in training. It is an easy thing to ignore when times are tough but it is sure to boost staff capability and maintain high levels of service, when customers are more demanding. In addition, businesses that do invest will have a trained and motivated team in place ready to meet demand when the economic upturn comes. The development of higher-level skills is crucial to future competitiveness. ”

Ends

For further information or requests for interview please contact;

Claire Robinson
Purple Rabbit (on behalf of the BCC)  
Tel:  023 92 554 862
claire.robinson@purplerabbit.co.uk

Judy Osborn      
Purple Rabbit (on behalf of the BCC)  
Tel: 07834 60 20 30    
judy.osborn@purplerabbit.co.uk   

Notes to the editors:

• The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the authentic voice of British businesses.
• The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.
• For more information of Foundation degrees (Fds) go to www.findfoundationdegree.co.uk
• Foundation degrees are a core part of the Government strategy for supporting Higher Education opportunities that are responsive to the needs of employees and employers.
• Programmes can be tailored to meet specific requirements and are flexible, relevant, offer career progression and provide genuine business benefits.
• For more information on fdf go to http://www.fdf.ac.uk/